Six
years ago, in February 2007, Sir Alex Ferguson and his men, seeking to end their three-year Old Trafford trophy doubt, stole the points by the Thames when Ronaldo cut in off the left flank and found the far corner of the Fulham
net.

On Saturday night there were 11 minutes left when Philippe Senderos’ error allowed the ball to reach Rooney’s feet, the England man having switched wide left as Fergie’s go for broke policy saw Javier Hernandez sent on.

Rooney
knew what he wanted to do, driving on as Aaron Hughes failed to close, picking his spot beyond Mark Schwarzer’s left hand, finding it impeccably for his 13th of the season and fifth in four starts since returning from his knee injury.

Ferguson
and Rooney both reflected on the parallels with Ronaldo’s similar moment, a key milestone on United’s title past that time round.

Ferguson recalled: “It was similar to when we played here a few years ago when Cristiano scored near the end.

“Then we went on to have an undefeated run after that. It was similar, probably around the same time factor as well.”

Rooney,
who hit the post in the first half - one of three occasions when the Fulham woodwork was hit in a game that was full of chances at both ends -
agreed: “I fancied myself to score and it was a little bit similar to Cristiano’s goal.

“After that goal we went on to win the league and hopefully that can happen again.”

It
looks as it if will, as well and while United were not at their fluent best, grateful for the solidity of Rio Ferdinand, reflexes of David De Gea and the goalline clearances by Rafael Da Silva and Robin Van Persie,
they once again got what they needed.

The
first 20 minutes were breathless, Patrice Evra hitting the bar in the middle of a remarkable scramble, De Gea touching Bryan Ruiz’ shot against the upright after a terrific tip-over to foil John Arne Riise.

But
while the 10 minute interruption when a fuse box tripped and wiped out the floodlights disrupted United’s rhythm, they knocked at the door, incessantly and insistently, until it finally opened.

Evra,
who admitted Fulham had pushed United all the way, pointed out the key difference in a side that has won 20 out of 25 games - with just two draws - to take command of the race.

The French left back said: “We have a winning mentality. This is the Manchester United spirit.

“That
is the strength of the boss. It is what he instils in us every year. That is why we want to win every game. It doesn’t matter who we are playing.”

Evra was right. Ferguson’s decision to send on Hernandez - “he stretched them a bit and gave Wayne room on that side” explained the Scot - a signal of intent, although the arrival of Danny Welbeck after Rooney’s goal, rather than a
more defensive substitution, summed up that mentality.

“It’s
a little bit frightening,” conceded Fulham chief Martin Jol. “After they scored we needed to play in their half but then they could bring on
Welbeck who is one of the quickest players in the Premier League, just to hurt you.”

Fulham, though, played their part and Rooney’s winner came a minute after Ruiz’ header was kept out by Rafael, a feat repeated in stoppage time by Van Persie, denying Senderos’ attempt at personal redemption.

Rooney added: “We had a lot of chances in the first half in particular.

“Rafael clearing off the line was a key moment. We had chances too but had to dig in and battle.

“Sometimes you wonder if it’s going to be your day but we kept going and thankfully got the goal and the three points.”

The
way the United players queued up to praise De Gea suggested a policy directive from the top in the wake of the stick the Spaniard received from Gary Neville and others after the costly mistake at Spurs two weeks
ago.

Defender Jonny Evans said: “We’re used to seeing him do that. People underestimate the reflexes he’s got, the shot-stopping ability.

“Wayne showed composure with the goal. Centre-forwards have spells when they score and sometimes not.

“Once
the goal went in there was a bit of a relief. It still gave them impetus to put the pressure on and we just had to defend well.”

They
did. And with every passing week look more like champions again. Memories of Ronaldo at the Cottage in 2007 will not hurt them.